RCN Debuts Opera TV

RCN First MSO to Debut Opera TV Store on TiVo Boxes

February 18, 2014 – RCN subscribers with TiVo boxes can tap into video, music, games, social media, news and a range of apps now that the Opera TV Store is available.

With this announcement, RCN became the first cable operator to launch the Opera TV store on TiVo DVRs. TiVo first announced a partnership with Opera Software in August. The Opera TV Store uses a cloud platform to deliver a wide range of HTML5-based apps and over-the-top (OTT) content to various devices, including TiVo DVRs.

The Opera TV Store lets cable operators decide which apps to offer to their subscribers. It also provides RCN with a backend system for advanced metrics on Opera TV Store usage, such as the popularity of individual apps so they can make continued improvements to bring customers the best apps available. The managed cloud platform can also enable customization and branding possibilities, and allow operators to prioritize local apps and content.

For small and mid-sized cable operators, services such as Opera allow them to offer over-the-top (OTT) video services and apps without the costly build out of their networks.

“The TV space is changing rapidly, and a viable application platform is a must for staying ahead of the game," said Jason Nealis, vice president of video operations at RCN. "Opera Software provides the most mature HTML5-based application platform, enabling us to expand our entertainment offering for RCN customers. We are pleased to come on board as the Opera TV Store's landmark first operator deployment. This partnership is another example of RCN’s commitment to creating a superior customer experience."

Opera's application platform will work on all of RCN's TiVo set-top-boxes, including the new Roamio line. TiVo boxes already deployed in homes will be updated over the RCN broadband network, so that existing viewers can also use the Opera app storefront.

"Opera Software has worked in the pay-TV operator space for more than 10 years, powering portals and premium content through the Opera Devices Software Development Kit," said Anees Rajaram, vice-president of TV and devices, Opera Software. "The Opera TV Store makes it a breeze for operators like RCN to simply turn on a proven OTT content offering for their subscribers."

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